Irish Award winning Interior Designer and Feng Shui Expert Nina Kati, hosted a talk at the Madden Furniture in Ennis entitled ‘An evening with Nina Kati‘. Nina educated her guests on the importance of Good Energy in your home and how to create this in your own space.
Authentic feng shui is an accurate science that is used to encourage health, luck, opportunities and prosperity, and as such has a direct impact on positively transforming the lives of people, and of the spaces they live and work in. To apply authentic feng shui you must first establish the information required to match people to their homes and workplaces within the time cycles and energy rhythms of nature, as this is how to ensure that people will have happy, healthy, wealthy, and harmonious lives.
Nina explained what’s hot and what’s not this season as she went through a list of all the different personal and yet modern touches we should be putting on our homes to make it the best possible home for us.
During the Summer, pastels are the perfect way to go. Pale pink, mint green, baby blue, peach and coral should be seriously considered when designing or redesigning your home. If pastels are not your thing and you’re looking for something with a bit more sparkle, dark emerald green, heavy claret red and sapphire navy blue are exquisite. If you’re looking to give your home a little bit of a kick, kingfisher and cobalt blue, mustard yellow, foliage greens and cognac tan are a must have. In neutrals this season, grey, graphite, white and, bone, have proven to be very popular.
Plants are commonly given as housewarming gifts for a good reason. Plants bring liveliness and a clean, free aura into your home. Succulents and cacti have risen dramatically in popularity over the last few months. They’re small and easy to take care of so what’s not to love? Large individual house plants are also a great addition to your home as they give it a fresher and brighter look. If you’re looking to divide space in your home why not try using planted containers for open plan living areas? efficient and artsy!
If you love gorgeous patterns then you’re in for a treat! tropical leaves and splashy floral are all the rage this season. Not only are they popping up on furniture but they’re making headway in the fashion world too! If flowers aren’t your thing, safari and jungle animals are exotic and the ideal pattern to give your home the more personalised touch you’re looking for. Large murals and graphic geometric images that hang wall to wall and floor to ceiling are also a great way of putting your stamp on your space.
In terms of finishes, there is so much to choose from! Studding, deep fringing, buttoning and pleating are becoming more commonly seen on entire walls. Why paint it when you can style it? Marble in real, matte or glossy effect looks amazing and super modern for counter tops and kitchen islands. Metal structures on the sides of bar stools, chairs, side tables etc. are very edgy and very 21st century chic.
When it comes to furniture shopping or upgrading you should know that S shaped and curved sofas are totally in. Smaller shaped and lower down tables are becoming quite popular also. The classic book cases and shelves are making a strong come back in pairs in newly furnished homes and suites.
The overall looks this season are, Danish, Audacious, Natural, Opulent and, Industrial. The Danish style presents a very retro, lightweight, neutral feel. The Audacious style is bright and bold with pops of colour and over sized outlandish statement pieces making an entrance. If you’re not feeling either of those styles you could always go with the natural feel which consists of wood, leather, brick, wool, cork etc. The Opulent style is for the sensual home, decorated with dark decór, rich touches, intimate lighting and plump furnishings. Finally,k if you fancy yourself an eccentric soul, exposed light bulbs, cord, brick, concrete and darker colours make up the Industrial style.
For those thinking of adding an extension or re-doing a room, consider the addition of smart technology, eco-smart systems, large sunlight areas and reading nooks for an utterly zen home.
If you would like to hear more from the expert herself you can listen back below: